In early 2023, Wifirst won the public tender issued by Bpifrance's Information Systems Department to overhaul its WiFi infrastructure on both its "campus" sites and its "regional delegations" in metropolitan France and the French overseas departments and territories, with a clear objective: to optimise the quality of the user experience.
// DSI'S CHALLENGES
Guarantee a modern, sustainable and scalable infrastructure
Wifirst was chosen to deploy and operate a LAN/WiFi solution in managed mode, with a strong focus on service availability and site coverage , in particular due to the switch from wired to wireless networks, with different use cases:
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The central point of the wireless infrastructure developed by Wifirst is the response to the challenge of mobility, thanks to WiFi that works everywhere, all the time and on different types of device for the employees and entrepreneurs supported by Bpifrance, which represents a significant volume of daily traffic.
Using the service (capture Wifirst Center)
With ever-increasing bandwidth requirements and the emergence of new technologies, the standard WiFi 6 infrastructure is also well-suited to accommodate the technological evolutions and data rate increases that may be required in the future.
// TECHNICAL CHALLENGES
A technical solution designed with our partner Extreme Networks
Wifirst deployed, operates and supervises no fewer than 750 Extreme Networks AP410C-1 access points to cover the indoor needs of the various sites. This high-performance, high-efficiency model is specially designed for high-density environments, without compromising on key security monitoring in the banking sector.
Existing network architecture
// PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES
Ensuring a rapid and precise deployment cycle...
As part of our "as a service" model, our WiFi experts carried out coverage studies on all the sites included in the scope of the contract. This was an essential prerequisite for a customized approach to WiFi coverage (in particular, to assess the number of access points required and define their location).
An interesting fact about this project: as part of the rollout, we dismantled the existing access points, ensuring their takeover and end-of-life management in line with our CSR commitments.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR MANAGEMENT OF REFURBISHED EQUIPMENT
... In mainland France and French overseas departments and territories!
In addition to Wifirst's unique expertise in WiFi technology, the BPIfrance IT Department was attracted by our industrial deployment and operating capabilities in mainland France and the French overseas departments and territories.
With tried-and-tested processes, technical resources (tools designed for the specific needs of an operator, developed entirely in-house) and human resources (team size and qualifications) tailored to the needs of large retailers with numerous sites spread over vast territories, Wifirst's structure is designed to meet the needs of large retailers with numerous sites spread over vast territories.
Wifirst has adapted to the pace imposed by an establishment that welcomes the public, so as not to penalize the activity of BPIfrance agencies. Each site also has a guaranteed recovery time. In the event of a WiFi service interruption, Wifirst is committed to resolving the problem in less than 4 hours, either remotely or on-site.
WIFIRST SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESSES
"Wifirst is a partner equal to the challenges that WiFi infrastructure represents for Bpifrance."
Ismael Ghoudane
Head of networks at BPIfrance
